Oct 31, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) hugs Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) after scoring during the second half against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Dallas Mavericks Player Makes Heartbreaking Statement About Luka Doncic Trade

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 17, 2025 4:15 PM ET

Naji Marshall had a very productive season in his first year playing for the Dallas Mavericks.

He finished with averages of 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 50.8% from the field and 27.5% from the three-point range in 69 games.

However, Marshall joined the team thinking he would be playing with Luka Doncic.

After just half a season as teammates, the Mavs traded Marshall to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.

In a recent interview with The Young Man And The Three, Marshall spoke honestly about the team losing Doncic.

Marshall: "I was hurt, man. Luka is my dog, for real... As far as personally, I was just hurt to lose Luka, man.... I was just hurt to see him go."

"I was hurt man. Luka is my dog, for real." -- Naji Marshall speaks on the Luka trade NEW YM3 WITH NAJI MARSHALL & TREY MURPHY IS LIVE EVERYWHERE pic.twitter.com/3l39ZEOBZD
— TheYoungManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) May 17, 2025